Agave lechuguilla

Agave lechuguilla Torr.

Lechuguilla, Tula ixtle

Synonym(s): Agave lophantha var. poselgeri

The succulent, yellow-green rosettes of lechuguilla are 1-2 ft. tall and widely suckering. Thick, leathery leaves are tipped with a strong spine. The lechuguilla, like its relative, the maguey or century plant, requires 12–15 years to store up enough food for the production of the large flower stalk, which then grows amazingly fast up to 15 feet tall. The stalk is unbranched and flexible, so that it often bends when it is heavy with buds or flowers, retaining a permanent, graceful arc. The upper part of the stalk is covered with a solid mass of purplish or yellowish flowers. After producing flowers and seeds, the stalk dies.

This formidable plant was a dangerous obstacle in the early exploration of the Southwest. The sharp leaves pierced horses legs, and a rider who fell could be impaled. Horses familiar with the country can usually avoid it.

Bloom Information

Distribution

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Low Light Requirement: Sun Soil Moisture: Dry Cold Tolerant: yesHeat Tolerant: yesSoil Description: Dry, rocky, limestone soils. Conditions Comments: The succulent, yellow-green rosettes of lechuguilla are widely suckering. Thick, leathery leaves are tipped with a strong spine. A cluster of yellow to pinkish-white flowers occurs on a 6-9 ft. stalk which rises from center of rosette after 8-20 years. After setting fruit, the entire plant dies. This agave is often cultivated in rock gardens. It is tolerant of poor, acid soil.

Benefit

Use Wildlife: The plant reproduces by putting out offshoots, which are often eaten by deer and javelinas. Use Food: The hearts not safe to eat. Dangerously high concentrations of saponins and other toxic compounds.(Tull)
Pulque, mescal, and tequila are made from the fermented sap of the flower stalk. Use Medicinal: Toxic juice from leaves used as arrow poison, a fish stupefier, a medicine and a soap. (Tull)
Tarahumara people of Mexico once used the plants poisonous compounds on their arrows and in water to poison fish. Use Other: Leaf fibers for cordage for bow strings, nets, baskets, mats, sandals, blankets, and cloth. Roots pounded and soaked in water used for soap and shampoo. (Tull)
Native Americans obtained fiber from the leaves to make rope, mats, and baskets. Warning: Certain compounds in Lechuguilla are poisonous, and livestock can die from eating this plant during a drought, when the succulent leaves become the forage of last resort. Humans should generally avoid consuming any plants that are toxic to animals. The leaves of Lechuguilla are so sharp they can cause injury to animals and humans and can even puncture the tires of off-road vehicles. Interesting Foliage: yes

Butterflies and Moths of North America (BAMONA)

Propagation

Propagation Material: Seeds Description: Fresh, untreated seed. Young plants, which grow around the base of the rosette, may be separated and transplanted in late winter and early spring. Seed Collection: As soon as capsules begin to dry out and turn brown but before they split and disperse the seeds (late summer through fall). Seeds can be stored for one year in refrigerated, ventilated containers. Seed Treatment: Not Available Commercially Avail: yes

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations: